Skype for Business (SfB), which has served SMU for many years, formerly as Microsoft Lync and Microsoft Communicator, is now stepping aside.
Soon, Microsoft Teams will replace SfB as our primary instant messaging and communications platform. This will include your SMU phone number being moved to Teams! As this is a major undertaking, it will require changes to telephone devices on campus. While we are still working on our roadmap, here are a few things you can expect during the transition.
Look for a Telephone Survey
Starting in early October 2023, we will send surveys to the campus community asking about your use of telecommunications devices and offer headsets for those who prefer to trade in a physical telephone for a new headset to use with Microsoft Teams on your computer. A headset coupled with Teams on your PC or Mac has all of the features of a physical telephone handset alongside powerful chat and collaboration tools, while also saving university resources as a more affordable option. Those who require physical telephone handsets will receive a new model once hardware options have been tested and selected in 2024.
New to Teams?
If you haven’t used Teams before, don’t worry! It’s easy to get started and discover how to chat and collaborate with others. We will be offering training sessions and information throughout this project, but LinkedIn Learning is also a great way to dive in at your own pace! While your phone number won’t be moved to Teams until 2024, you can still use all of the other features Teams has to offer and begin using the application now.
When Will All This Happen?
A detailed timeline and any additional information about this significant project will be available on a new project page in late October. We will also post here on the IT Connect blog, social media, and contact you via email once the transition begins.
Update Nov. 5, 2023: Added link to the Microsoft Teams Migration Project page.
